Planet Zoo will feature “the most realistic animals in any game”

It’s a huge claim, but one that could actually be true. Frontier’s working on another entry for the Planet franchise, and this time it’s ditching coasters for critters. The developer seems determined to make this an authentic zoo management game with an unprecedented level of detail. So much, in fact, Frontier believes it’s creating “the most authentic, most realistic animals in any game”.

Planet Zoo is planned for release as a standalone PC title in autumn this year, but earlier this month I was invited to take a peep at the game in its pre-alpha stages. Like Planet Coaster, it’s looking like this will be an excellent sandbox game, with plenty of options for tinkering and perfecting your zoo. And, for the first time in the Planet franchise, this one has a narrative campaign – along with some unusual additions such as a genetic system and inbreeding. Who needs the Lion King remake or Game of Thrones anyway?

Although the first animal entry in the Planet franchise, this isn’t Frontier’s first go at creating a zoo management game. In 2013, the studio released a Zoo Tycoon title which received fair reviews but was criticised for its lack of personalisation options and depth.